culture Sightseeing

Yahiko Shrine

Yahiko Shrine is located in Yahiko Village, Niigata Prefecture, and is considered one of the most famous shrines in the region. It is also said to be one of the top spiritual sites in Niigata. A short distance from Yahiko Shrine stands a grand torii gate, about 30 meters tall. When visiting Yahiko Shrine, I highly recommend taking the time to see this magnificent torii gate located nearby as well.

How to get there

How to get to Yahiko Shrine

Address: Yahagi, Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District, Niigata Prefecture Google Maps
Nearest Station: JR Yahiko Line, Yahiko Station
Route from the nearest station: 12-minute walk

Here’s how to get to Yahiko Shrine starting from Tokyo Station:

First, take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Tsubame-Sanjo Station in Niigata Prefecture. The journey takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Tsubame-Sanjo Station is one stop before Niigata Station.

From Tsubame-Sanjo Station, transfer to the JR Yahiko Line and ride it to the last stop, Yahiko Station. This leg of the journey takes around 30 minutes.

The walking route from Yahiko Station to Yahiko Shrine is straightforward, and you can easily reach the shrine by following Google Maps without getting lost.

Here’s how to get to the Grand Torii Gate of Yahiko Shrine

Address: 2887-2 Yahiko, Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District, Niigata Prefecture  Google Maps
Nearest Station: JR Yahiko Line, Yahagi Station
Route from the nearest station: 7-minute walk

If you’re heading to the Grand Torii Gate after visiting Yahiko Shrine, in addition to the train route mentioned earlier, there is also a bus option.

Nearest Bus Stop: Yahiko Shrine Bus Stop  Google Maps

Disembarking Bus Stop: Yahagi Village Office Bus Stop  Google Maps

From Yahagi Village Office Bus Stop, it’s about a 4-minute walk to the Grand Torii Gate. Standing at 30.16 meters tall, it is the tallest torii gate in Japan. This Grand Torii was built to commemorate the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen in 1982.

What is Yahiko Shrine?

History of Yahiko Shrine

The exact date of establishment for Yahiko Shrine is unclear. According to the shrine’s traditions, it is said to have begun in 392 BC. The first mention of the shrine in historical records appears in the “Engishiki Jinmyōchō,” dating around 927 AD. This means that Yahiko Shrine existed by 927 AD, giving it a history of at least 1,100 years. If we consider the starting point of 392 BC, then it would have a history of over 2,400 years.

Additionally, Yahiko Shrine is designated as a Ichinomiya, which refers to the most prestigious shrine in a specific region. The area where Yahiko Shrine is located was historically known as “Echigo Province,” making Yahiko Shrine the Ichinomiya of Echigo Province.

Deity Enshrined at Yahiko Shrine

The main deity enshrined at Yahiko Shrine is Amanokaguyama-no-Mikoto (天香山命). The term “main deity” refers to the most important god of the shrine. Amanokaguyama-no-Mikoto appears in Japanese mythology and is known as a protector of agriculture and industry.

This deity is regarded as a presence that enriches the lives of local people and aids in the growth of crops. As a result, Yahiko Shrine is revered as a “shrine of abundance,” attracting worshippers seeking blessings for prosperity and agricultural success.

How to worship Yahiko Shrine

To the main hall

Enter through the vermilion first torii gate.
As you pass through the torii gate, you will immediately see a river on your left. It is said that in the past, visitors used to purify their hands in this river before worshipping.
Further along, you will find the Chozusha (water basin). Here, you can purify your hands.
Proceed through the second torii gate.
Walk along the path to the shrine. It was a day of heavy rain.
Pass through the final gate to reach the main hall.
arrived at the main hall

Two bows, four claps, and one bow

In general, the traditional method of worship at Japanese shrines involves two bows, two claps, and one bow (二礼二拍手一礼). However, Yahiko Shrine is unique in that it follows the practice of two bows, four claps, and one bow (二礼四拍手一礼).

Of course, it is not mandatory to strictly follow the two bows, four claps, and one bow method. If you visit, you will notice that many people still practice the two bows, two claps, and one bow, so feel free to choose whichever method you prefer.

To learn how to perform either method, observe how those around you are worshipping! Rest assured, you won’t be reprimanded for making a mistake.

Worship Process:

  1. Offer a small amount of money into the offering box.
  2. Perform two bows and four claps, stopping on the fourth clap when your hands come together, and close your eyes for a few seconds.
  3. While your eyes are closed, express your gratitude in your heart.
  4. After that, lower your hands and perform the final bow to conclude your worship.

Goshinbyo（御神廟）

Yahiko Shrine is located at the foot of Mount Yahiko. At the summit of Mount Yahiko, there is a place where the main deity, Amanokaguyama-no-Mikoto, is enshrined, and this site is referred to as the “Shrine of the Deity.”

If you visit Yahiko Shrine, I highly recommend making the journey to the Shrine of the Deity!

There are two routes to get from Yahiko Shrine to the Shrine of the Deity:

Hiking Trail: Takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Ropeway: Takes about 5 minutes one way, followed by a 15-minute walk.

Here, I will explain the route using the ropeway.

After passing through the vermilion first torii gate and crossing the river, there is a path to the left where you will go through a smaller torii gate.
There is a sign, and if you continue straight ahead, you will find the bus stop for the ropeway station.
It’s free, so take the bus to the ropeway station. If you walk, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the ropeway station.
Take the ropeway to the top. A round-trip ticket costs 1,500 yen. The ropeway runs every 15 minutes, so you should be able to board quickly. The photo shows the ropeway going down from the summit.
Once you arrive and step outside, climb the stairs on the left.
As you climb the stairs and continue straight, you will find a path leading deeper inside. Once you take this path, it becomes a straight route to the Shrine of the Deity, so you shouldn’t get lost.
There are some ups and downs along the way. Let’s make an effort to climb for about 15 minutes!
After passing through this torii gate, you will reach Goshinbyo.
arrived at Goshinbyo!
The view from the summit was not very good that day due to the clouds, but on a clear day, it must offer a spectacular sight!

 

※This article contains information as of September 21, 2024.